We have always associated the word "selfish" with mean people, right?

Not true; being a soft-hearted person can be heartbreaking. People tend to walk all over you and your emotions and don't seem to care that you are always there for them when they need you. But who is there when YOU need someone?

With that being said, BE SELFISH. Guard your heart and stop being so concerned with how others view you that you lose your own sense of worth and identity worrying about which people like you and which people don't.

Don't lose yourself in making sure that you keep your friends around. Being so concerned with the opinions of others is how you drive your self to depression and low self-worth.

Here is a list of 10 ways you should be selfish:

1. Eat the entire cake by yourself; you shouldn't have to always share it.

2. Take the nap you have been wanting all day.

3. Make time for yourself; tell your friends/significant other 'no' sometimes.

4. Watch what YOU want to watch on Netflix; you shouldn't have to always compromise

5. Treat yourself to a nice meal everyone in a while because eating Ramen isn't good for the soul.

6. Stop responding to every text, Group Me, Snapchat and Facebook message. Sometimes it's just better to leave people on reading.

7. You're relationship with God comes FIRST! Do not let people pressure you into things you don't feel comfortable with.

8. When people call at 2 a.m. for a ride, it's OK to not answer; Uber was created for a reason.

9. Treat yourself to that sweater you've been eyeing for weeks.

10. Above all else, your happiness comes FIRST. You come FIRST. Your values COME first.

Stop putting other people before you so much that you forget to love yourself. I'm not saying do these things all the time. But in moderation, being selfish is healthy.